Pivoting Sealing Joint Geometry for Low-Torque Misalignment Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slip joint apparatuses are limited by requiring high torque for clamping, inability to withstand dynamic angular movement, and are not designed for axial movement once in service, making them unsuitable for applications requiring tolerance absorption and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A sealing means with a first surface and side walls that allow pivotable and angular movement, reducing the required torque for clamping and enabling the slip joint apparatus to absorb initial tolerance stacks and dynamic angular movement, featuring a smaller contact area for increased contact pressure and reduced stress on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing gaskets with large contact area are used, then sufficient sealing contact is achieved, but high torque is required for clamping and stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gasket transitions from uniform contact to non-uniform local contact. The curved first surface concentrates sealing contact at specific high-stress regions (apex or near-apex areas) rather than distributing pressure uniformly across a large flat surface. This localized contact approach achieves sufficient sealing reliability while reducing the total clamping torque required, as force is applied more efficiently at critical sealing points.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing gasket design enables dynamic angular movement between connected pipes while maintaining sealing contact. The curved surface geometry allows the gasket to pivot and adapt to angular misalignments, transforming the rigid static sealing approach into a dynamic system that accommodates movement. This reduces stress on components during thermal expansion and vibration while maintaining adequate sealing contact.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid sealing gaskets are used, then structural stability is maintained, but inability to withstand dynamic angular movement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gasket incorporates a curved first surface that enables dynamic angular movement while maintaining structural integrity. The curved geometry acts as a mechanical hinge or pivot point, allowing the gasket to rotate and accommodate angular misalignments between pipes. This dynamic capability transforms the rigid sealing approach into a flexible system that can withstand thermal expansion, vibration, and installation tolerances without compromising structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved surface geometry changes the physical parameters of the sealing interface. By introducing curvature rather than using a flat surface, the system gains rotational degrees of freedom. This parameter change allows the sealing gasket to adapt to angular movements while maintaining contact pressure, effectively combining structural stability with movement adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional flat-based sealing gaskets are used, then manufacturing simplicity is achieved, but tolerance absorption capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The curved first surface geometry changes the contact parameters from uniform flat contact to concentrated curved contact. This curvature provides inherent tolerance absorption capability by allowing angular misalignment while maintaining sealing contact. The curved surface acts as a mechanical compliance element that accommodates manufacturing variations in pipe alignment without requiring high-precision assembly, thus bridging the gap between ease of manufacture and tolerance absorption.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2b~3f
AI summary
Sealing means are provided that includes a first surface which is arranged to contact a surface of an item in use, and one or more side wall surfaces extending away from the first surface. The first surface and/or said one or more side wall surfaces are arranged so as to allow a degree of pivotable and/or angular movement of at least the first surface of the sealing means with respect to the item surface with which it contacts in use.